Edict



(No Model.)

W. P. LEWIS. CLEANING ATTACHMENT FOR TYPE WRITING MACHINES. No. 436,424.

Patented Sept. 16, 1890;,

Wiiywsses:

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE;

WILLIAM P. LETVIS, OF W'ASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ASSIGN OR, BY DIRECT AND MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO WYCKOFF, SEAMANS & BEN- EDICT, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

CLEANING ATTACHMENT FO R TYPE-WRITING MACHINES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 436,424, dated September 16, 1890.

Application filed December 2 7 1 887- To all whom, it may concern.-

Be it known that I, WVILLIAM P. LEWIS, of Washington, in the District of Columbia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Cleaning Attachments for Type-- Writing Machines, of which the following is a specification.

My invention consists in a brush, pad, or equivalent cleaning device, provided with means for attaching or applying it to a typewriting machine in position to be struck by the printing-type forthe purpose of cleaning the latter.

In the drawings annexed, Figure 1 is a side elevation of a Remington Standard type writing machine partly broken away and showing a brush applied for the cleaning of the type; Figs. 2 and 3, views illustrating other forms of attaching devices; Fig. 4, a View of a cloth-covered cleaning-pad, and Fig. 5 a View of a sponge-faced pad.

The invention consists, broadly, in the combination, with a type-writing machine, of a brush, pad, or like device, by which the type may be cleaned when struck against it, and this regardless of the special form of materials or of the means of attachment of such cleaning device.

In practice I have used a brush with very satisfactory results, and I prefer the same to other devices for the reason that bristles more readily and effectually enter and clean the recesses of the type; but good results may be attained with elastic pads, sponge, and similar bodies, all of which are to be understood as within the scope of my invention and claims.

Referring to the drawings, A indicates a type-Writing machine provided with a traveling carriage B, in which is mounted the usual roller-platen C, which supports the paper while being printed upon by the type a of the type-bars D.

E indicates the cleaning brush or body, which is formed with a stock or backing b, advisably made concave on its back to conform to the curvature of the roll or platen C, and which is furnished with a sustaining arm or arms 0, which may clasp the roll C, or

Serial No. 259,142. (No model.)

some other convenient part of the machine, or both.

The face of the block b may be furnished with bristles, as in Fig. 1,or with a pad, as in Fig. 4, covered with chamois-skin, woven fabric, or equivalent material; or the block may be faced with sponge, as in Fig. 5, bibulous paper, or other material capable of e11- tering the recessed portions of the type and removing adheringv matters therefrom.

In Fig. 1 the arms 0 are represented as extending upward about the roll C to a suitable distance, thence downward toward the rod F, on which the rollers G of the papersupporting bands H are mounted, and there formed with a seat or depression d to fit said rod. The arms a are formed of elastic metal or material, and their two branches or members are so bent apart that when the stock or body b of the cleaning brush, pad, or device is placed in contact with the under face of the roll C, said members shall be held by their elastic force against roll C and rod F, respectively, thereby retaining the cleaning device in position.

In Figs. 2 and 3 the arms are represented as extending from the stock or bodyb at one side of roll C to the opposite side of said roll, their curvature being such as to draw the block firmly against the roll and to hold it there.

In Fig. 2 the arms are represented as passing directly about the roll, while in Fig. 3 they are shown bent outward, to pass about the frame of the carriage B.

For other styles of machine the shape of the arms may be varied as required, these changes being merely such as fall within the province of the ordinary mechanic, involving no departure from the invention.

It is likewise apparent that instead of depending upon the spring-action of the arms c they may be clamped by set-screws or equivalent devices, and that by hinging the arms to rod F, or hanging them concentrically with the axis of roll C, the cleaning device may be left upon the machine and shifted to and from its operative position.

The brush, pad, or cleaner being applied to the machine, in position to be struck by the type as the type-bars are thrown up, and the ink-ribbon being moved out of the way, the carriage is drawn back to its starting-point, and the finger-keys or buttons are struck one after another, each type being caused to strike three or four times, usually, so as to insure the thorough cleaning ofeach letter. When the cleaning is completed the brush or pad is removed and the machine is ready for use. The use of this attachment obviates the necessity of tediously brushing each type by hand, as is commonly done, and it'enables the operator to clean his type quickly, efficiently, and without soiling his hands in the operation.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is 1. In'combiuation with a type-writing machine, a brush or cleaning device applied to the machine in position to be struck by the type when the type-bars are actuated.

-2. In combination with the roll or platen and'with the type-bars of a type-writing machine, a brush or type-cleaner applied to said machine with one face against the roll or platen and the other face in position to be struck by the type.

3. A cleaning device, substantially-such as described, for type-writers, provided with arms to claspa portion of a type-writing machine, to secure the cleaning device in position.

4. A cleaning device substantially such as described, provided with spring-arms c, adapted to clasp a portion or portions of a type-writing machineand to hold the'cleaning device in the required position.

5. In combination with a type-writing machine, a cleaning device substantially such as described, and spring-fastening arms therefor adapted to be attached to or .detached from the machine at will.

6. In combination with a type-Writing ma In witness whereof I hereunto set inyhand in the presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM P. LEWIS.

Witnesses: MARTHA O. TWEEDY,

J osH AR. BUoKELEw. 

